Kirsten Petrie is an Associate Professor at the University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand, and is an educator focused on improving teaching, learning, and leading. Her research and professional activities are centred on critical participatory practices that enhance the educational experience for all stakeholders. As an initial teacher education lecturer, academic leader, researcher, and member of the community, she is committed to praxis-oriented approaches that contributing to improving educational outcomes. Marg Cosgriff is a Senior Lecturer in The Division of Health, University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand. Marg's teaching and research specialities include community health and well-being; outdoor learning, leadership, and education outside the classroom; and inclusive Health and Physical Education in schools. Her work is informed by a longstanding professional background in secondary school teaching, initial and continuing teacher education, and outdoor education instruction. Lisette Burrows is Director of Te Ngira Institute for Population Research and a Professor in Community Health and Physical Culture at the University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand. She is co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal Sport, Education and Society, and past-President, Fellow, and Life Member of Physical Education New Zealand (PENZ).

She is a seasoned researcher, familiar with diverse research methods, including teacher and student interviews, surveys, document analysis, and focus groups. Shane Keown, Joel Devcich, Jo Naera, and Deirdre Duggan are all practicing teachers and senior leaders in primary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. At the time of the EveryBody Counts research project, they were based in two schools but have subsequently taken up opportunities to lead learning in schools across the North Island.